Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Belvedere Junior School on 12 February 2019, following its previous judgment of good in January 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, including the headteacher, senior staff, and governors, has created a vibrant and nurturing environment that supports pupil development. The school effectively uses accurate evaluations to build on strengths and drive improvements, resulting in outcomes for pupils at the end of key stage two that remain above the national average. The school is committed to serving its community by providing excellent opportunities for its children, including a variety of trips and visitors that enhance pupils' experiences and aspirations.
The school has established a strong culture of safety, with parents, carers, pupils, and staff expressing confidence in the measures taken to keep pupils safe. The diverse backgrounds of pupils are celebrated, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging. Positive relationships between pupils and adults contribute to a respectful and polite school culture, where pupils appreciate the efforts of their teachers to make learning enjoyable.
Professional development and training are prioritized within the school's trust, ensuring that teachers have access to coaching and resources to enhance their teaching practices. This commitment to staff development has led to high retention rates and effective support for new teachers. Governors and trust colleagues provide constructive challenges that support the leadership team in driving improvements.
Since the last inspection, leaders have focused on raising expectations for the most able pupils, resulting in positive progress. Teachers are delivering lessons that challenge these pupils, leading to strong academic growth. Additionally, there has been an improvement in the quality of pupils' handwriting and presentation in their work.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with clear arrangements in place to protect pupils. Leaders and governors understand their responsibilities and prioritize safety. Recruitment processes are compliant, and staff are well-informed about safeguarding procedures. Pupils receive education on online safety and are supported in making positive life choices through external mentorship.
The inspection also evaluated the progress of pupils in writing across the curriculum, addressing a previous area for improvement. Leaders have implemented a whole-school approach that provides opportunities for extended writing in various subjects, resulting in good progress for most pupils. However, progress for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in writing remains a concern, as their needs are not always identified early enough. Recent interventions, such as a nurture group, are in the early stages, and while they have positively impacted pupil well-being, further evidence is needed to demonstrate improvements in writing skills.
Pupils' attitudes towards learning and motivation have improved, with effective teaching across subjects fostering curiosity and excitement. Strong subject knowledge among teachers encourages pupils to engage in research and projects beyond the classroom. The teaching of science, particularly through practical experiences, has significantly enhanced pupils' interest in the subject.
Leaders are also addressing attendance issues, particularly among disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, as their absence rates are higher. Whole-school attendance is gradually improving and is now in line with the national average. The attendance team collaborates with the inclusion leader to support vulnerable pupils, and new strategies are being implemented to track and improve attendance.
The inspection concluded with recommendations for the school to maintain a rigorous focus on reducing absence rates for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, ensuring they attend school regularly. Additionally, actions to improve writing progress for pupils with SEND should be sustained and monitored to align their achievements with those of their peers. The school is encouraged to continue its commitment to providing a high-quality education and support for all pupils.
